Temperatures forecast to be in the mid- to high 90s Thursday are raising concerns for the thousands of people who plan to run the Cigna-Elliot Corporate 5K in Manchester.Click to watch News 9's coverage.Race planners and first responders are taking a closer look at their preparations in light of the forecast. The race is held every year on the second Thursday in August, so organizers said they're used to dealing with hot weather.The last time temperatures were forecast to be that high during the race was 15 years ago. The predicted high humidity for the start of the race has organizers getting prepared for any runners or walkers who might not be able to tolerate the heat."In the park, the Elliot Hospital emergency department will have their staff there, and they will be fully staffed and ready to take care of runners who may be facing some issues at the end of the race," said Susanna Fier of Elliot Hospital.There will also be a water stop on the course."We have the Manchester Fire Department coming to spray the runners at mile 2," Fier said. "We are also adding one more ambulance."The course will be lined with police and volunteers ready to radio in for help.Millennium Running is organizing the event and has sent emails to runners and walkers telling them to be mindful and stay hydrated."That's probably the most important thing," said Dr. Greg Baxter of Elliot Hospital. "Drink a lot of water."Medical experts said that preparation for the race should have started days and weeks ahead of time, but taking part in a 5K road race on an extremely hot day can be made easier. Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear lightweight and light-colored gear. In addition, doctors recommend setting expectations."How far are you trying to run? You need to dial that back in hot weather," Baxter said. "Your performance will suffer."Doctors said it's also important to know the warning signs of overheating: headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.Even for those not running the race, heat exhaustion risk will be high Thursday.Baxter said it’s important to know the signs the body has had too much.“So really, things like nausea and vomiting,” he said. “A headache would be important. Feeling cool, clammy skin on a hot day would be a bad sign.”If you see someone around you acting confused or disoriented, seek medical attention for that person immediately, experts said.“If you don’t need to be outside, stay in a cool place,” said Rocco Caparello of AMR Ambulance. “Don’t sweat. Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid using beverages with alcohol or caffeine in it, because those types of beverages can make you dehydrated.”Football teams that have started practice for the fall season won’t be taking the day off Thursday, but are prepared for the heat.“We offer them all free water,” said Maria Young, president of the Manchester East Cobras. “The coaches come with coolers full of ice, and they put washcloths in it so the kids can put them around their necks during water break, which is every 10 minutes. And we tell their parents, water all day long.”

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

Temperatures forecast to be in the mid- to high 90s Thursday are raising concerns for the thousands of people who plan to run the Cigna-Elliot Corporate 5K in Manchester.

Race planners and first responders are taking a closer look at their preparations in light of the forecast. The race is held every year on the second Thursday in August, so organizers said they're used to dealing with hot weather.

The last time temperatures were forecast to be that high during the race was 15 years ago. The predicted high humidity for the start of the race has organizers getting prepared for any runners or walkers who might not be able to tolerate the heat.

"In the park, the Elliot Hospital emergency department will have their staff there, and they will be fully staffed and ready to take care of runners who may be facing some issues at the end of the race," said Susanna Fier of Elliot Hospital.

There will also be a water stop on the course.

"We have the Manchester Fire Department coming to spray the runners at mile 2," Fier said. "We are also adding one more ambulance."

The course will be lined with police and volunteers ready to radio in for help.

Millennium Running is organizing the event and has sent emails to runners and walkers telling them to be mindful and stay hydrated.

"That's probably the most important thing," said Dr. Greg Baxter of Elliot Hospital. "Drink a lot of water."

Medical experts said that preparation for the race should have started days and weeks ahead of time, but taking part in a 5K road race on an extremely hot day can be made easier. Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear lightweight and light-colored gear. In addition, doctors recommend setting expectations.

"How far are you trying to run? You need to dial that back in hot weather," Baxter said. "Your performance will suffer."

Doctors said it's also important to know the warning signs of overheating: headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Even for those not running the race, heat exhaustion risk will be high Thursday.

Baxter said it’s important to know the signs the body has had too much.

“So really, things like nausea and vomiting,” he said. “A headache would be important. Feeling cool, clammy skin on a hot day would be a bad sign.”

If you see someone around you acting confused or disoriented, seek medical attention for that person immediately, experts said.

“If you don’t need to be outside, stay in a cool place,” said Rocco Caparello of AMR Ambulance. “Don’t sweat. Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid using beverages with alcohol or caffeine in it, because those types of beverages can make you dehydrated.”

Football teams that have started practice for the fall season won’t be taking the day off Thursday, but are prepared for the heat.

“We offer them all free water,” said Maria Young, president of the Manchester East Cobras. “The coaches come with coolers full of ice, and they put washcloths in it so the kids can put them around their necks during water break, which is every 10 minutes. And we tell their parents, water all day long.”